Shopping For Dietary Supplements

Shopping For Dietary Supplements

A diverse collection of pills, powders, gummies, drinks and bars, dietary supplements are meant to fill in the gaps left by a healthy diet. These nutrition-rich products include vitamins, minerals, herbs or botanicals, amino acids and more. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), a vast majority of Americans—adults and children—take one or more dietary supplements.

While some supplements—such as folic acid for women who are pregnant and omega-3 fatty acids for those with heart conditions—have well-established benefits, a supplement should not take the place of a balanced diet rich in a variety of foods. Moreover, some supplements can be harmful when taken in high amounts or with certain medications.

As a result, when shopping for supplements, it's best to consult with a health care professional. Your physician, a pharmacist or a registered dietitian can help you develop a supplement regimen that suits your specific needs. They can also help ensure that you are not taking too much of a particular vitamin or mineral, and that your chosen supplement is safe for the underlying condition or health condition you're treating.

When shopping for supplements, look for products that have been independently verified for quality and purity. Look for the initials "USP Verified" on the label, which means the product has been tested by the U.S. Pharmacopeia and meets their standards for strength, quality and purity. Other third party verification services are available as well. Avoid products that contain added herbs, enzymes or other unusual "special" ingredients. These additions usually add nothing to the product except cost and can adversely interact with some medications.

Moreover, it is important to be aware that even people who eat well might need dietary supplements. The Council for Responsible Nutrition reports that some individuals can be deficient in nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, fiber and vitamins A, B and D. Others may be at a higher risk of deficiencies because of health issues like food allergies or digestive conditions, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, which interfere with nutrient absorption.

In addition, it's a good idea to inform your health care professional about the supplements you are taking, particularly those that have not been adequately tested in children or in women who are pregnant or nursing. If you experience a bad reaction to a dietary supplement, let your health care professional know; they may report it to the FDA and use that information to identify potentially dangerous products.

While the vast majority of dietary supplements are safe, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Some supplements can cause serious side effects in those who take them in excess or with certain prescription or over-the-counter medicines. So, make sure you follow the advice of your health care provider and read the supplement facts on the label carefully.